Famed African American neurosurgeon Ben Carson is a Republican presidential candidate, and the only Black candidate on the slate for 2016. With new found spotlight on Carson and his politics, his wife of 40 years Lacena “Candy” Carson has been thrust into the limelight as well.

Not much is known about Mrs. Carson. But there’s this meme floating around the Internet comparing her appearance back in May at her husband’s announcement for president to First Lady Michelle Obama’s stunning Vera Wang look at Friday’s China State Dinner. Carson’s outfit could use some work and tailoring, but besides that, she seems like a woman devoted to her work, husband and family.

Candy is an extraordinarily accomplished powerhouse and gifted artist in her own right, and she’s certainly more than a meme! Here’s 6 things you should know about Candy ahead of this polarizing and highly competitive election season!

1. Candy Carson was born and raised in Detroit.

Like her husband, Carson grew up poor in inner-city Detroit. She had four siblings and was the daughter of a teacher and factory worker.

Her mother was a church organist and insisted all her children learn to play instruments.

2. She attended Yale University.

Carson met her husband while they were students at Yale University, where she earned a scholarship. She triple-majored in music, psychology and pre-med and also has an MBA. Carson played violin for the Yale Symphony and the Yale Bach Society. A mother of three sons, Murray, Benjamin, Jr. and Rhoeyce, she formed a string quartet (two violins, cello and viola) with them and called it the “Carson four.”

3. Co-founded the Carson Scholars Fund.

Along with her husband, Carson cofounded the Carson Scholars Fund in 1994, which helps provide scholarships for college students who do community service work. They have given out 500 awards annually.

4. Like our current FLOTUS, Carson didn’t want her husband running for president.

Initially, Carson did not want her husband running for president, but her sentiments changed when their grandchildren were born and she was concerned about their futures.

5. Candy balances being a wife and mother with her own career.

In her forthcoming memoir, A Doctor in the House, Carson writes, “The calling of a neurosurgeon isn’t easy to live out, and Ben had been required to go above and beyond the call of duty many times. The life of a neurosurgeon’s wife isn’t much easier. But it’s all been worth it. Together, we’ve been through poverty, tragedy, wealth, and joy, and I’ve come to love Ben more as each year has passed.”

Carson has worked in real estate, trust administration and insurance in the Baltimore area where the couple lives.

She has also conducted the University of Maryland Medical Center Chamber Players.

6. She’s an accomplished violinist!

Candy is not only a distinguished scholar and philanthropist, she’s a talent artist who plays the violin! At her husband’s announcement for president, Candy played the strings along with the national anthem.

Brittney Fennell

Brittney is the Associate Editor of Jawbreaker and a writer who has goals to disrupt culture in ways unseen.

Rev.John Goffe

This woman knows her place in the life of her husband! Some women don’t!! Because of her Ben will be a great President!!

CoomassieBlue

Pre-med is not a major, therefore she was a double major in music and psychology, not a triple major. Looks are a part of our society and she is ugly, but so what? She is still an impressive and well accomplished person.